Not all the courses listed below have been approved for 2013-14. North Lakes Academy reserves the right to change the course offerings in the best interest of families, students, staff and the school.
CIS Physics by Inquiry (year-long course; 4 credits) *Entry Point Course*
Often described as "Physics for non-science or math majors," PSTL 1163 is a lecture-discussion course that focuses on physics content and the nature of science and learning. On the content side, students explore physics ideas that can be used to explain interesting phenomena, including the relationship between force and motion, the nature of energy, energy transformations, and conservation of energy, and the small particle theory of matter. On the nature of science side, students learn the process by which knowledge is developed within a scientific community, i.e., that doing science involves using evidence and creative thinking, that knowledge is established through collaboration and consensus, and that science knowledge can change over time.
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in Physics by Inquiry must be juniors or seniors in high school. Additionally, teachers are asked to ensure that at least 60 percent of the students they approve for the course are in the top 50-20% of their high school class.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-PSTL-1163-Syllabus.pdf
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in Physics by Inquiry must be juniors or seniors in high school. Additionally, teachers are asked to ensure that at least 60 percent of the students they approve for the course are in the top 50-20% of their high school class.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-PSTL-1163-Syllabus.pdf
CIS Physics (year-long course; 4 credits)
PHYS 1101W is a good course for students who are interested pursuing studies in science or engineering and who are good at mathematics. The course will provide them with the opportunity to learn fundamental physics principles and complex problem solving skills needed for more advanced study.
Student Qualification Requirements: Students must be juniors or seniors in high school and be in the top 20% of their high school class, and have earned a grade of B or better in a rigorous algebra 2/trigonometry course (or the equivalent).
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-Physics-1101-Syllabus.pdf
Student Qualification Requirements: Students must be juniors or seniors in high school and be in the top 20% of their high school class, and have earned a grade of B or better in a rigorous algebra 2/trigonometry course (or the equivalent).
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-Physics-1101-Syllabus.pdf
CIS Psychology (3 quarters-long; 4 credits)
PSY 1001 explores fundamental questions about human behavior that lend themselves to scientific study. For example, why do we find certain people attractive? How does language develop? Why do some people become criminals? PSY 1001 is a hybrid course including both online and face-to-face instructional components. The online component of this course includes "streaming lectures" by UMN Department of Psychology faculty; CIS instructors at the high school manage the timing of these lectures and lead all discussion and lab activities.
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in PSY 1001 should be juniors or seniors in high school and in the top 20 percent of their class, or have instructor approval, to participate. Previous coursework in high school psychology or high school biology, and reading score review are recommended. Ninth and tenth grade students are allowed to participate in the class only if they 1) are needed to fill the class; 2) meet all student prerequisites; and 3) have instructor approval.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-PSY-1001-Syllabus.pdf
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in PSY 1001 should be juniors or seniors in high school and in the top 20 percent of their class, or have instructor approval, to participate. Previous coursework in high school psychology or high school biology, and reading score review are recommended. Ninth and tenth grade students are allowed to participate in the class only if they 1) are needed to fill the class; 2) meet all student prerequisites; and 3) have instructor approval.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-PSY-1001-Syllabus.pdf
CIS Writing Studio (year-long; 4 credits) *Entry Point Course*
This course will take the place of any freshman writing course at most universities and colleges around the country. WRIT 1201 Introduction to and practice of writing process. Critical reading, rhetorical analysis for understanding of audience, purpose, and argumentation strategies. Formal assignments: personal essay, summary and analysis of texts, writing with research. Develop academic reading, writing, and research skills. Students write in response to a variety of assignments, receive extensive one-on-one assistance, and work on computers. Clear/effective expression emphasized through writing/revision.
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in Writing Studio should have a GPA of 3.0 or better; score 3 or better on teacher-created qualifying essay; pass MCA exams in reading and writing; have a teacher or counselor recommendation; and be a junior or senior in the top 50% of their class. Additionally, teachers are asked to ensure that at least 60% of the students they approve for the course belong to one or more of the following groups: (a) first generation college-bound students, (b) from families of low to moderate income, (c) be in the top 50-20% of their high school class, (d) need additional language or writing support.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-Writing-Studio-Syllabus.pdf
Student Qualification Requirements: Students enrolling in Writing Studio should have a GPA of 3.0 or better; score 3 or better on teacher-created qualifying essay; pass MCA exams in reading and writing; have a teacher or counselor recommendation; and be a junior or senior in the top 50% of their class. Additionally, teachers are asked to ensure that at least 60% of the students they approve for the course belong to one or more of the following groups: (a) first generation college-bound students, (b) from families of low to moderate income, (c) be in the top 50-20% of their high school class, (d) need additional language or writing support.
A sample syllabus can be found at http://cce.umn.edu/documents/DCP/CIS-Writing-Studio-Syllabus.pdf
AP Calculus AB (year-long; 3-4 credits depending on the university)
Description: This is a college-level course that culminates in the AP exam in May. A sample syllabus can be found at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-calculus-course-description.pdf
Eligibility Requirements: Students with a B or higher in FST, or teacher approval.
Eligibility Requirements: Students with a B or higher in FST, or teacher approval.
AP World History (year-long; 3-4 credits depending on the university)
Description: This is a college-level course that culminates in the AP exam in May. A sample syllabus can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/html/apcourseaudit/courses/pdfs/World-History-Sample-Syllabus-1-ID-876072v1.pdf
Eligibility Requirements: Students with a B or higher in previous social studies courses, or teacher approval.
Eligibility Requirements: Students with a B or higher in previous social studies courses, or teacher approval.
AP Spanish Language (year-long; 3-4 credits depending on the university)
Description: This is a college-level course that culminates in the AP exam in May. A sample syllabus can be found at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/exam_information/4554.html
Eligibility Requirements: A grade of B or better in Spanish III, or instructor approval.
Eligibility Requirements: A grade of B or better in Spanish III, or instructor approval.
AP Art History (year-long; 3-4 credits depending on the university)
Description: This is a college-level course that culminates in the AP exam in May. A sample syllabus can be found at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/exam_information/2053.html
Eligibility Requirements: A grade of B or better in previous art courses, or instructor approval.
Eligibility Requirements: A grade of B or better in previous art courses, or instructor approval.